Telling More of America’s Stories

More than a dozen bills in Congress could help enrich our current park system by creating new national parks or expanding existing ones. What stories should the National Park Service highlight next? NPCA explores the possibilities, which celebrate everything from Buffalo Soldiers to saber-tooth cats.

FAQ: The Attack on a Fundamental Conservation Law

The House of Representatives recently voted to restrict the president’s authority to create new national monuments. Though the bill is unlikely to become law this year, it is part of an unsettling trend that would undermine an important conservation tool instrumental in preserving dozens of iconic national park sites. Our FAQ explores this move and what it could mean.

Destination: Darkness

The Colorado Plateau has the largest concentration of national parks in the country—and some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. The International Dark-Sky Association has officially recognized three of these 27 park sites as superior places to observe night skies. The Park Service and NPCA are working to protect darkness as a diminishing natural resource in the region—learn about upcoming events and how you can help.

Why Lobby?

Lobbying has become a dirty word for many Americans—but speaking directly to legislators is a key advocacy tool for preserving public interests. NPCA regularly discusses legislation with members of Congress and organizes an annual Lobby Day that brings dozens of volunteers to Capitol Hill to help raise awareness about issues affecting national parks. Here’s a look at what lobbying means on the ground for NPCA.

Tackling a Mountain with Mom

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? One outdoor enthusiast in Georgia tried for years to get his mom to go on a hike with him. When she finally agreed to spend Mother’s Day heading up a mountain with him at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, they both ended up with an adventure they weren’t expecting.

Celebrating the Monument of Monuments

In a city chock-full of historic buildings and memorials, D.C.’s Washington Monument literally towers above them all. For nearly three years, this iconic obelisk has been closed for renovations after an earthquake caused significant damage to the structure. Learn more about the history of this famed monument in time for its much-awaited reopening on May 12.

Trivia Challenge: Name This “Crooked River”

Decades before this Midwestern site officially became a national park, the severe pollution in its river outraged and embarrassed the country, helping to spur the creation of the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Earth Day. The park's name—which is also the river’s name—is the Mohawk word meaning "crooked river.” Can you guess this national park?

Support National Parks with NPCA Checks

With each purchase, 10% of the sale price of products branded with our logo (including checks, address labels, and contact cards) comes directly back to support our work. These environmentally conscious checks are printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks and feature iconic park images like Yosemite's Half Dome and Yellowstone’s Old Faithful.

Shop AmazonSmile for the Parks

Now there’s a new, easy way to help protect the parks whenever you shop at Amazon. When you choose NPCA as your supported charity on AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to give an extra boost to NPCA’s park protection work … all at no cost to you. Support NPCA by shopping at smile.amazon.com today!

ParkScapes Travel:
Exploring Patagonia

Visit some of the most notable natural landmarks of the Patagonia region at Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Argentina. Optional extension to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in Chile. (Passport required.)

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Check out the latest issue of National Parks magazine, which features articles about overly friendly goats in Olympic National Park, a doctor who prescribes park visits to her patients, enjoying the company of cacti at Organ Pipe Cactus National Park, and how national heritage areas are making America’s best idea even better.